What does the theory of unconscious inference suggest about new sensory experiences?

The theory of unconscious inference, primarily developed by Hermann von Helmholtz, posits that our perception of new sensory experiences is significantly influenced by prior sensory experiences. This means that our brain does not process new information in isolation; instead, it draws on a set of learned associations and interpretations from past experiences.

When we encounter new stimuli, our cognitive system unconsciously compares and relates them to prior knowledge, helping us make sense of what we perceive. This interpretation happens quickly and often without our awareness, leading us to perceive the world efficiently based on contextual cues and learned information. The reliance on past experiences helps to fill gaps in our perception, making it a valuable mechanism for understanding and interacting with the world around us.

In contrast, theories suggesting that sensory experiences are interpreted without reference to the past, purely innate, or independent of cognitive processing overlook the essential role that prior knowledge plays in our perception.